Do you have a microphone that picks up keyboard noise? This can be incredibly frustrating when trying to record audio for your podcast, video, or other types of work. The good news is there are a few things you can do to stop the mic from picking up keyboards sounds. This blog post will discuss some of these tips and tricks. Read on to learn more.
How To Stop Mic From Picking Up Keyboard Noise
When you use a microphone and keyboard on the same desk, it will pick up the sound of your typing. It is annoying for some people who might be recording their voice or want to record something using a computer program that requires audio input like Audacity.
The clicking sounds from the keyboard can get in sync with the music, so it becomes more noticeable. You can reduce the sound of the keyboard by doing simple methods that are listed below. If you don’t have a problem with typing sounds, there is no need to do anything as it will not affect your work.
Method 1: Reposition your microphone
If you are using a headset with a microphone, it is recommended to move the mic away from your keyboard. It will help in reducing the noise that comes while typing on your computer.
The microphone’s best detecting sound direction is referred to as microphone orientation or microphone directionality.
Some of the common types of microphone orientation are:
Omnidirectional: Picks up sound from all directions.
Bidirectional: Picks up sounds equally from the left and right sides of a mic.
Cardioid: Picking only what is in front and rejecting the sound from the back or sides.
Unidirectional: Picking up sounds in front of it and rejecting the sound from the back or sides.
A cardioid microphone can reduce keyboard noise to a larger extent than uni-directional microphones. For example, you can use a headset that has a mic connected with it. The second method is recommended for people who do not have headphones as it requires more effort.
If you are using a headset, try rotating your headphones away from the keyboard to reduce typing noises on the mic. You can also use a pop filter between the microphone and speaker if they are near each other, which will help in reducing popping noise when speaking.
Method 2: Get a noise-canceling keyboard
If your problem is not with the microphone, you can use a noise-canceling keyboard which will help in reducing typing noises on the mic. You can see some keyboards with rubber pads under them, so they do not make clicking sounds while used. They are also known as silent keyboards and might be useful for working from home or in an office where other people are working.
Noise-canceling keyboards have a layer of material under them that absorbs the noise generated when you press your keys on them, so they do not get transferred to the mic through sound waves. You can use this noise-canceling keyboard with any type of microphone and turn off the speakers while speaking to reduce keyboard sound from being recorded.
If you are using a computer with a built-in mic, it is time to replace your keyboard. It will help reduce the typing noise on the microphone as most of these keyboards have quieter keys that do not produce any sound while pressing them. You can buy one online or from an office equipment store near you.
It might look like an expensive option, but once you buy it, you can use it for a longer time than expected. The keyboards are available in different sizes and colors to suit your need. Some of them have the best design with advanced features like USB ports and multimedia buttons, making work easier when using a computer regularly.
You might be thinking about how this keyboard will help you control your mic from being picked up with keyboard noise, but it is a proven method that can reduce the typing sound on the microphone. Some keyboards have silent keys installed in them, which do not produce any clicking sounds when they are pressed.
Method 3: Adjust Software Settings
If you are using software, try to adjust its settings to reduce keyboard noise coming through the mic. You can also change the input device for your computer that will help in controlling the sound output. Here are steps to follow to adjust mic levels in Windows 10:
Step 1: Hit the Enter key on your keyboard after searching for Change system sounds in the Start menu.
Step 2: Click on the Recording tab in the Sound window, after which you should right-click your microphone and click on Properties.
Step 3: To reduce your microphone level, click the Levels tab and drag the slider to the left (click OK once you’re done).
You could also test your microphone in real-time by checking the Listen to this device checkbox in the Listen section. Reduce the volume of your microphone until you stop hearing your keyboard while listening to it. To avoid echoing, ensure you’re wearing headphones when doing this.
This is how you reduce keyboard noise from the microphone in your Windows computer using the tech available to everyone even if they do not have money or time for advanced solutions. Once you get used to it, typing sound on the mic will no longer be a big issue.
Method 4: Adjust the setting of your mechanical keyboard
If you are using a mechanical keyboard, try to adjust its settings to reduce the sound it makes while typing. You can refer to your manual for instructions on how to do this. Different keyboards will have their unique procedure of setting up and adjusting lighting colors, sensitivity levels, etc.
One thing that can be done is to change the type of key switch that it uses. For instance, Cherry MX Red Keyboards do not make any noise when typing on them and are suitable for people who work in offices where low-noise keyboards are required.
Cherry MX Blue switches will produce a clicking sound that resembles the sound made by light pens, but they can be used if you are looking for a combination of low noise and responsiveness.
Method 5: Buy A Headset With Microphone
If the above methods are not working, then it is time to use a headset with a microphone, eliminating any sound coming from your computer. Headsets are available with different prices and features, so you can choose one that meets your needs. Many of them have noise-canceling mics which will pick up only the sound of what is directly spoken in front of it or nearby to it without picking up any other sounds like keyboard typing on the mic.
While using headsets for chatting or gaming is a common practice, using them for chatting while streaming or recording videos has become the new trend. You can check out this link to find top headsets with mics available in the market right now.
If you are using the same desk for your microphone and the computer, it is recommended to get a different surface on which you can place your mic or any recording device. You should avoid placing them directly in front of the speakers as it will only worsen the sound quality and increase the background.
Method 6: Use A Pop Filter
A pop filter refers to a screen placed in front of the microphone to stop popping sounds when speaking. Pop filters come in different sizes, so you should choose one that fits your needs properly. They have a metal or plastic frame along with a mesh usually mounted in front of the mic, which will stop the popping sound without affecting your voice.
A pop filter for your microphone will make it sound fantastic while keeping any background noise at bay. It reduces noise to an incredible extent. It filters out all unwanted noise like ‘p’ and other hard consonants while speaking in front of it. You can use any pop filter available online or purchase one from your local store near you.
If you use a microphone with your computer for hours each day, it may get dirty over time, affecting its performance. You should clean your mic regularly using anti-bacterial wipes or any other cleaning solution. You can also avoid touching the mic while recording, as it will reduce noise and prevent further damages to its surface.
Conclusion
This article has provided a few tricks to help you keep your microphone from picking up the sound of typing on your keyboard. You can reposition the mic, get noise-canceling headphones, and adjust software settings.
You can also purchase a pop filter that will prevent any noise from leaking through when you speak into your mic or use headphones instead if it’s not feasible for you to create this physical barrier. Try these techniques out today and see how better off you are with less background noise in recordings.
